Tracy Reese is a self-professed seventies fanatic and frequently nods to the Me Decade with her collections. Three 1978 issues of L'Officiel sent to Reese by a former intern gave rise to her new Resort lineup. "That's when all the great volume was happening and the sun was always shining," she said. "I love the quality of light in those editorials." An accordion-pleated chiffon racer-back dress and basketweave-print silk palazzo pants paired with a matching tie-neck blouse captured the breezy spirit she was going for.

As a contemporary designer, Reese is vigilant about keeping her price point affordable. At an appointment, she held up a piece of beautiful taffeta that goes for $40 per yard and explained how she went back to the mill with the swatch in hand and demanded a similar fabric for $14. The resulting material is ultra-lightweight with a metallic sheen and turned up on a winning party frock with a bubble skirt and low, crossover back.